Exploring Kyoto's Cultural Heritage with Friends

A Day of Natural Wonders in Arashiyama

After a restful night at Hotel Gimmond Kyoto, I was eager to explore more of what Kyoto had to offer. Today, my friends and I ventured to Arashiyama, a district known for its stunning natural beauty. I was especially excited to see the famed bamboo forest and, of course, the monkeys! As an electrician, I don't often get to immerse myself in nature, so this trip was already proving to be a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Edmonton.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Gimmond Kyoto, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation after exploring the city's rich culture.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hafuu. The calm and modern Japanese interior created a warm atmosphere. I opted for the beef cutlet sandwich, which was incredibly delicious. It was a great way to start the day before heading out to explore Arashiyama. I made a mental note to tell Fatima about this place; she would definitely appreciate the quality of the meat and the attentive service.

Our first stop was the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I had seen countless photos of this place, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. As we stepped into the forest, we were immediately enveloped by towering stalks of bamboo that seemed to stretch endlessly towards the sky. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow on everything around us. The sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo was almost meditative. It was a truly magical experience.


Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

While the bamboo forest was indeed crowded, as many reviews had warned, it was still an awe-inspiring sight. We took our time wandering along the path, snapping photos and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. I couldn't help but think of Nelson and Sheila; they would have loved running around and playing hide-and-seek amidst the bamboo stalks. I made a mental note to bring them here someday. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is also one of the 100 most beautiful soundscapes in Japan, which are designated by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.

Next, we made our way to Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple located right next to the bamboo forest. This temple is the most important in the Arashiyama district and is ranked first among Kyoto's five great Zen temples. It's also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tenryuji was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji, who dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo. The buildings were repeatedly lost in fires and wars over the centuries, and most of the current halls date from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its stunning Zen gardens and architecture.

The gardens at Tenryu-ji were absolutely stunning. Designed by Muso Soseki, the first head priest, the landscape garden features a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and the forested Arashiyama mountains. It was a perfect example of Japanese garden design, and I found myself feeling a sense of peace and tranquility as we strolled through the grounds. We paused for a moment to admire the beautiful Sogen Pond Garden, a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.

After the serenity of the temple, we were ready for a bit more adventure, so we headed to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. I knew this would be a unique experience, as it's not every day that you get to interact with wild monkeys in their natural habitat. The park is located on Mt. Iwata, and it required a 20-minute uphill hike to reach the top. It wasn't overly difficult, but it was definitely a good workout.


Discover the playful world of Japanese macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, a stunning wildlife experience in the heart of Kyoto.

As we ascended, we began to spot monkeys along the trail. They were surprisingly unfazed by our presence, and some even came quite close. Once we reached the top, we were greeted by a troop of about 120 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. Unlike zoo animals, these monkeys are wild and roam freely around the area. They're used to people, but they're not domesticated, so we had to be mindful of their space. It was fascinating to watch them interact with each other, groom themselves, and play in the trees.

We bought some snacks at the feeding hut and had the opportunity to feed the monkeys through a wire mesh. It was an interesting experience to have these creatures reach out and take food from our hands. I must admit, I was a bit nervous at first, but it was also incredibly fun and rewarding. The monkeys were definitely the highlight of the day. The park also offers one of the best panoramic views of Kyoto, making it well worth the short but uphill hike to the top.

For lunch, we stopped at Arash's Kitchen, a Persian and Indian restaurant. I had heard great things about their halal dishes, and I was eager to try something different. The food was delicious and flavorful, and the portions were generous. I enjoyed a hearty kebab with fresh pita bread, and my friends raved about the biryani. I was glad to find a Halal option here in Kyoto, as it reminds me of the Halal restaurants back in Edmonton. I'll have to bring Fatima here next time.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

Before heading back to the hotel, we did a little shopping at the Kyoto Crafts Store. I was looking for a unique souvenir to bring home to Fatima and the kids. The store had a wide variety of traditional Japanese crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and woodwork. I finally settled on a beautiful chirimen (crepe) wall hanging with a cherry blossom design. I thought it would be a lovely reminder of our trip to Kyoto during cherry blossom season.


Explore the essence of Kyoto's artistry at the Kyoto Crafts Store, where traditional handicrafts meet contemporary charm.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO. This restaurant is located in a beautifully restored traditional building, and it offers a modern take on Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients from Kyoto. The restaurant was beautiful, with a great atmosphere and gardens. I opted for a vegan set menu and was blown away by how delicious and delicately prepared each dish was. The service was excellent, and the whole experience was truly memorable.


Discover the perfect blend of Italian culinary artistry and traditional Japanese ambiance at The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Arashiyama. From the serene bamboo forest to the playful monkeys, every moment was filled with wonder and joy. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll be visiting Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji, and Ninna-ji Temple. I can't wait to see what other treasures Kyoto has in store for us. I think I'll try Goichi Pizza for breakfast before we head out.

I'm so glad I decided to come to Kyoto with my friends. It's been an incredible experience so far, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the trip holds. I just hope I can remember to pack sunscreen next time!